When chosen and used correctly, oil additives can be a safe way to increase your engine’s performance.
We all know that engine oil is essential for all motor vehicles. Without proper lubrication your engine stands at risk for damage. Engine oil not only lubricates your engine parts to reduce friction it also helps to prevent corrosion ,disperse heat and other common engine problems.
But what are engine oil additives and why should we use them? In this article we will look at how oil additives work and why you need to choose the right additive to suit your vehicle’s specific needs.
What are Oil Additives?
Oil additives are compound substances that are added to your regular engine oil. They work to enhance your engine’s performance and prolong its lifespan. There are a variety of different additives available today each with their own actions and benefits.
Not all additives are suited for use in every vehicle. Be sure to check with your vehicle’s manufacturer which additive works best with the make, model, and age of your vehicle.
Here is a list of the most common types of oil additives and how they work to boost the efficiency of your standard engine oil:
Detergents – Help keep your engine clean. They help to break up dirt and contaminants and reduce sludge in your oil.
Dispersants – Like detergents, dispersants help keep your oil clean. They work by suspending dirt and other contaminants in your oil so they don’t settle and form deposits.
Viscosity Improvers – Help maintain the thickness of the oil. High temperatures can thin your oil reducing its efficiency. Maintaining the ideal consistency of your oil will help it flow smoothly through narrow gaps and small parts during use.
Friction Reducers – Designed to reduce the amount of friction between moving parts in an engine. This helps reduce the wear and tear on your engine by creating a protective film on your parts.
Anti-Wear Agents – Similar to friction reducers, they work hard to protect metal components from wear. They create a protective layer around the parts, protecting them from coming into contact with each other.
Corrosion Inhibitors – Prevents corrosion on metal surfaces. Corrosion occurs when there are chemical reactions between oils and fuels.
Oil additives can be effective tools for enhancing your vehicle’s performance. Ensure you choose the right type of additive to suit your vehicle’s needs. The proper oil additive can extend your vehicle’s lifespan and keep it running efficiently for many years to come.
Potential Risks and Side Effects of Using Oil Additives
Carefully consider which oil additive will work best for your vehicle. Although they offer a number of benefits, they also have the potential to damage your engine. Some oil additives may contain abrasive particles that could scratch or wear down components over time.
Mixing oil additives can also cause damage and reduce the efficiency of your engine. When introducing more than one additive to your oil, be sure they work with each other and not against. The wrong combination of both base oil and oil additives could result in increased friction and/or build up in your engine.
We can not stress enough that you should use only the additives recommended by your vehicle’s manufacturer. By using an unapproved oil additive, you risk voiding your manufacturer’s warranty. This is a costly mistake that could be easily avoided.
Additionally, take caution when adding your oil additives. Some oil additives may be harmful to the environment. Keep them contained, away from waterways and be sure to dispose of them correctly. If in doubt, get a professional to add them with your regular oil change.
Do Oil Additives Really Work?
The effectiveness of oil additives is debatable. There are studies that show that they can improve your engine’s performance, improve fuel efficiency, and extend the life of your engine. There are also studies that found minimal or no benefits from using oil additives.
This is another reason you should only use the oil additives suited for your vehicle. There are a ton of variables that can affect the effectiveness of oil additives. Take into consideration your engine type, temperature conditions, and age of your vehicle. You may also want to look into the quality of the manufacturing processes used to make the additive.
Even where you live can affect the effectiveness of your oil additive. Sometimes your oil additive should change seasonally as does your standard motor oil. Those who deal with hot weather in the summer and cold in the winter need to adjust their oil and additives to suit. What your engine needs in summer might not be what it needs in winter so to get the most out of your oil additive take this into consideration as well.
Are Oil Additives Safe?
As with most products, oil additives need to meet certain safety standards and regulations before they are approved for use. Motor oils and oil additives should meet the requirements set by the American Petroleum Institute (API). The oil and additives are tested for emission levels, wear protection, fuel economy, toxicity and more. These tests ensure that the oil and oil additives are safe for the environment.
But what is “safe”? These tests claim that the oil additives are safe however some additives can still pose a risk to engines and people if not used or stored properly. Some oil additives contain corrosive chemicals and others may contain potentially hazardous materials. Always read the label on your oil additive and/or refer to its Safety Data Sheet for guidance on the safe handling of the product.
When selecting an oil additive, it is important to look for products that adhere to industry standards. You should also look for products that are registered with government agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). You can find a list of EPA approved oil additives online.
Conclusion
When chosen and used correctly, oil additives can be a great way to keep your car running smoothly and efficiently. Oil additives can help extend the life and performance of your engine. They help protect against wear and tear, reduce friction between metal parts, and prevent sludge buildup.
It is important to select the oil additive that is best suited for your vehicle. Remember to consult your vehicle’s manufacturer first and foremost for options that work best for your vehicle’s specific needs. Also take into consideration the make, model, year, and condition of your vehicle as well as the environment in which you drive.
Read the label and follow the directions given. If handling the oil additive yourself, refer to the oil additive’s Safety Data Sheet for guidance on the safe handling of the product.
Regular maintenance is one of the most important aspects of caring for your vehicle’s engine over its lifetime. Be sure to check and change your oil regularly.